Precise understanding of biological functions requires tools comparable in size to the basic components of life. Single molecule studies have revealed molecular behaviors usually hidden in the ensemble- and time-averaging of bulk experiments. Although most such approaches rely on sophisticated optical strategies to limit the detection volume, another attractive approach is to perform the assay inside very small containers. We have developed a silicone device presenting a large array of micrometer-sized cavities. We used it to tightly enclose volumes of solution, as low as femtoliters, over long periods of time. The microchip insures that the chambers are uniform and precisely positioned. We demonstrated the feasibility of our approach by measuring the activity of single molecules of beta-galactosidase and horseradish peroxidase. The approach should be of interest for many ultrasensitive bioassays at the single-molecule level.

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Analysis of experiments performed at different heating powers and magnetic field intensities shows that the existence of internal transport barriers in JET can be inferred in regions of space-time where the ratio of the ion gyroradius to the local gradient scale length exceeds some critical value. A possible interpretation leading to the theoretical relevance of this dimensionless parameter as a local indicator of a bifurcated plasma state is the stabilization of turbulence by the E×B shear flows associated with large pressure gradients and plasma rotation. Large database analysis and real time plasma control are envisaged as attractive applications.